Inter and Milan’s bid to build a new stadium in place of San Siro before 2023 was dismissed by city mayor Giuseppe Sala today.

La Repubblica last week reported the clubs wanted to start building work before the end of next season, with plans to submit an application to the council before July.

However, Sala told Sky Sport earlier their ambitions were unrealistic.

“The stadium project isn’t sustainable financially in and of itself,” Sala said.

“You can afford it if you build other stuff around it, like residential and commercial areas. I’d want to do things tomorrow morning but life’s not like that, I need to dampen enthusiasm.

“I’ll listen to both clubs but San Siro belongs to the council and it’s our desire to keep it intact until 2026.”

San Siro is due to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics should Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo’s bid prove successful later tonight.